Embarrassment is the Cost of Entry

This is for the folks getting into working out because it’s the start of a new year.  I’m sure if you put this quote into Google, you’re going to find this quote everywhere, but if you dissect it and really think about it, it’s completely true. 

If you take any new thing you’ve ever done, you obviously are terrible at it, and that can be embarrassing.  Story time – I remember sophomore year of college, I went to the on-campus gym for the first time at the beginning of the school year.  I swear, I was so tense that I felt like all eyes were on my when walking in.  I walked to the farthest possible bench away from everybody where I wouldn’t be seen, and proceeded to do my sets of bench, and then I walked out because I was terrified.  Utterly terrified.  Of course, in hindsight, I look back and just laugh about it.

Now, take any activity or hobby you’ve ever engaged in – you’re going to be terrible at it to start, and it might be slightly embarrassing just because that’s how we’re wired as humans.  If you start dancing, you’re going to look awkward trying to learn how.  If you start lifting weights, you might be starting from fairly low strength levels, and that might be embarrassing.  Bottom line for all of this is, that’s the cost of entry, period.  If you never want to be embarrassed, then don’t do anything fun or engage in any hobby in life.  Once you realize that, then you can quickly get over the embarrassment and just enjoy what you’re doing.  Trust me, I wasted too many hours in my early fitness days avoiding going to the gym because I was so embarrassed. 

It’s the same thing as comparing your success to others’ success.  Don’t do it unless you’re using it as healthy motivation.  Said differently, “if you're going to do anything new or innovative, you have to be willing to be misunderstood,” – now that one, I know is from Jeff Bezos.  Now go out there and pursue your hobbies.